6 Classic Rock Bands That Completely Sold Out in the 80s

The 1980s saw several classic rock bands altering their musical styles, often aiming for mainstream success. These shifts sometimes led to accusations of “selling out” from their original fanbases. Here are six notable examples:

1. KISS

In the early 1980s, KISS faced declining popularity. To revitalize their image, they removed their iconic makeup for the 1983 album Lick It Up. This move coincided with a shift toward a glam metal sound, aligning with the era’s trends. The strategy paid off commercially, but some longtime fans felt alienated by the drastic change in appearance and style.

2. ZZ Top

Originally known for their blues-rock roots, ZZ Top embraced synthesizers and drum machines in the 1980s. Their 1983 album Eliminator featured hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” blending electronic elements with their traditional sound. This transformation led to mainstream success and heavy MTV rotation. However, purists criticized the band for straying from their original musical identity.

3. Heart

Heart began the 1980s with a hard rock sound but shifted toward polished pop-rock by the mid-decade. Their 1985 self-titled album included hits like “These Dreams” and “What About Love,” characterized by glossy production and power ballads. While this reinvention brought commercial success, some early fans lamented the move away from the band’s rawer rock roots.

4. Jefferson Starship

Evolving from Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship transitioned from psychedelic rock to a more commercial sound in the 1980s. By 1985, rebranded as Starship, they released Knee Deep in the Hoopla, featuring the hit “We Built This City.” The song topped charts but was criticized for its overtly commercial sound, marking a significant departure from the band’s counterculture origins.

5. Chicago

Known for their jazz-rock fusion in the 1970s, Chicago shifted to a softer, ballad-driven style in the 1980s. Collaborating with producer David Foster, they released hits like “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and “You’re the Inspiration.” This change garnered new fans and chart success but disappointed those who preferred their earlier, more experimental work.

6. Genesis

Genesis started as a progressive rock band but moved toward a pop-oriented sound in the 1980s. Albums like Invisible Touch showcased catchy melodies and radio-friendly tracks. This evolution expanded their audience and commercial appeal. However, some original fans felt the band had abandoned their complex musical roots for mainstream success.